University of Georgia sees major increase in COVID-19 cases
The University of Georgia on Wednesday reported 821 positive cases in a recent five-day stretch, nearly four times the total from the prior time frame.
The total, from Aug. 24-28, is the highest reported by a Georgia college or university in such a stretch since the pandemic began.
About one-half of the cases were self-reported by students and employees, as required by the university. About one-third of the cases — 283 — were diagnosed by university health officials.
University President Jere Morehead released a statement Wednesday voicing his concern about the numbers.
The university’s fall semester began Aug. 20. The data released Wednesday is from the first full week of classes at the school.
More students and employees are being tested on campus, and the percentage of positive test results has increased. About 5% of its 1,810 surveillance test results last week were positive, university officials said, an increase from 2.35% the prior week.
The university has about 50,000 students and employees, second only to Georgia State University, which has about 54,000 students and nearly 5,700 employees last school year.
About the Author
Eric Stirgus joined The Atlanta Journal-Constitution in 2001. He is the newsroom's education editor. Born and raised in Brooklyn, N.Y., Eric is active in the Atlanta Association of Black Journalists and the Education Writers Association and enjoys mentoring aspiring journalists.
